Fans pick 100 books like Surviving Death

By Leslie Kean,

Here are 100 books that Surviving Death fans have personally recommended if you like Surviving Death. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Many Lives, Many Masters

Shirley O'Donoghue Author Of The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing

From my list on accelerate my spiritual & personal development.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been teaching personal and spiritual development courses and workshops for over 30 years. I am passionate about balancing the notion of spiritual connection and grounding it to help people see this aspect of our awareness as normal rather than weird or unreal. The books I have chosen reflect the fact that connecting to spirit sometimes requires hard work and dedication, but also, there are so many different aspects to explore and learn about that it is truly a lifetime quest for everyone on a conscious spiritual path–although I believe everyone is on a spiritual path, it's just that some people aren’t aware of it! 

Shirley's book list on accelerate my spiritual & personal development

Shirley O'Donoghue Why did Shirley love this book?

This is the classic book on past lives. When you are following a spiritual journey, the concept of reincarnation is one of many aspects that inevitably open up to consider and explore. It’s a well-written book that inspires and clearly explains the perception and theory of past lives. 

It’s also a reassuring read for people dealing with bereavement as well as helping the reader to see that perhaps we are not victims in a particular lifetime but merely experiencing different perspectives and aspects of 3D incarnation. 

By Brian L. Weiss,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Many Lives, Many Masters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From author and psychotherapist Dr. Brian Weiss comes the classic New York Times bestseller on the true case of the past-life therapy that changed the lives of both the prominent psychiatrist and young patient involved-now featuring a new afterword by the author.

As a traditional psychotherapist, Dr. Brian Weiss was astonished and skeptical when one of his patients began recalling past-life traumas that seemed to hold the key to her recurring nightmares and anxiety attacks. His skepticism was eroded, however, when she began to channel messages from the "space between lives," which contained remarkable revelations about Dr. Weiss' family and…


Book cover of Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe

Donna Norman-Carbone Author Of All That Is Sacred

From my list on soulful connections.

Why am I passionate about this?

As someone who has experienced a lot of loss in my life, I’ve done a good amount of research and exploration into the soulful nature in all of us (the living and the dead) through reading nonfiction (Laura Lynn Jackson, Brian Weiss, Edgar Cayce, Jane Roberts, John Edward and Suzane Northrop among them) and fiction that deals with strong soulful connections. Through my own work as an author, I seek to provide the message love, in any form, transcends life and death. We only have to be open to the possibility to know it and experience it. Nothing is a coincidence and we are all connected. I hope these selections open you to the possibility.

Donna's book list on soulful connections

Donna Norman-Carbone Why did Donna love this book?

This book, written by psychic medium Laura Lynn Jackson, was gifted to me shortly after the unexpected passing of my sister.

The book validated for me what I already believed: everything happens in the time it’s meant to and everything (and everyone) is connected. Jackson reports story after story about how souls in the afterlife remain connected to their loved ones on earth.

And, for those who are open to the possibility, signs (and messages) are provided when most needed.

By Laura Lynne Jackson,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Signs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A renowned psychic medium teaches us how to recognize and interpret the life-changing messages from loved ones and spirit guides on the Other Side.

“A collection of incredible stories . . . that speak to the universe’s endless capacity for magical moments.”—Goop 

Laura Lynne Jackson is a psychic medium and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Light Between Us. She possesses an incredible gift: the ability to communicate with loved ones who have passed, convey messages of love and healing, and impart a greater understanding of our interconnectedness. Though her abilities are…


Book cover of Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying

Eve Joseph Author Of In the Slender Margin: The Intimate Strangeness of Death and Dying

From my list on grief to normalize mourning and confirm you're not going crazy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was eleven when my brother died in a car accident and, although I didn’t know it at the time, this experience shaped me in ways I couldn’t anticipate. Many years later, when I began working as a social worker at a local hospice, I realized that I was drawn to the work as a way to finally grieve that early loss. As I helped people navigate their own losses I found myself feeling my own grief for the first time. It wasn’t until I started writing about the hospice work that I found my brother again. I am powerfully drawn to the parallels between writing and the work of dying. 

Eve's book list on grief to normalize mourning and confirm you're not going crazy

Eve Joseph Why did Eve love this book?

Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley were both hospice nurses when they wrote this book in 1992 and their book, having sold over 500,000 copies, is still a guide for those who find themselves in the presence of the dying.

The authors act as interpreters for the living and help them understand the language the dying often use. As a hospice social worker, it was not uncommon for me to hear the dying speak of packed suitcases or imaginary taxis pulling up to their doors.

This book helped me to engage with that language and to enter the altered reality that the dying often experience. It encourages us to let go of the rational and invites us into the mystery of death and dying in ways that are life-changing. 

By Maggie Callanan, Patricia Kelley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Final Gifts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this moving and compassionate classic—now updated with new material from the authors—hospice nurses Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley share their intimate experiences with patients at the end of life, drawn from more than twenty years’ experience tending the terminally ill.

Through their stories we come to appreciate the near-miraculous ways in which the dying communicate their needs, reveal their feelings, and even choreograph their own final moments; we also discover the gifts—of wisdom, faith, and love—that the dying leave for the living to share.

Filled with practical advice on responding to the requests of the dying and helping them…


Book cover of After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond

Mark Gober Author Of An End to Upside Down Liberty: Turning Traditional Political Thinking on Its Head to Break Free from Enslavement

From my list on libertarian politics and economics.

Why am I passionate about this?

I previously had no interest in politics, but in 2020 the world became so politically charged that I wanted to better understand the landscape. That led me down a rabbit hole of questioning the basic assumptions about what government is and why we have it. Fortunately, there are many brilliant thinkers whose work I was able to study. I ultimately integrated this thinking into my own worldview. This list of books provides a starting point for thinking about our world—and the nature of reality—in an entirely new way. They certainly helped to alter my views, and they all contain excellent references if you’d like to explore them even further. 

Mark's book list on libertarian politics and economics

Mark Gober Why did Mark love this book?

Near-death experiences on the surface sound like they have no relationship to politics and economics. However, they allow us to make inferences about a “moral imperative” embedded within the structure of reality itself.

Near-death experiences are instances in which a person’s consciousness has remarkable perceptions—even though the person is sometimes clinically dead. In fact, the experiences are often reported to be “realer” than real. This perplexing phenomenon has been studied extensively by the University of Virginia’s Bruce Greyson, MD, and he explains in his book why many of these profound cases are likely not hallucinations. (And he further explained these concepts to me when I interviewed him for my podcast, Where Is My Mind?).

The life-changing messages from near-death experiences teach us that we are all interconnected at a deep and fundamental level. Many near-death-experience survivors even report that they relived their whole life, and they become each person…

By Bruce Greyson, MD,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked After as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The world's leading expert on near-death experiences reveals his journey toward rethinking the nature of death, life, and the continuity of consciousness.

Cases of remarkable experiences on the threshold of death have been reported since ancient times, and are described today by 10% of people whose hearts stop. The medical world has generally ignored these “near-death experiences,” dismissing them as “tricks of the brain” or wishful thinking. But after his patients started describing events that he could not just sweep under the rug, Dr. Bruce Greyson began to investigate.

As a physician without a religious belief system, he approached near-death…


Book cover of Between Life and Death: Conversations with a Spirit

Stevie D. Parker Author Of 542 Days: Recollection

From my list on Metaphysical expand your knowledge and imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve experienced vivid dreams ever since I was a child, which led me to begin reading about the metaphysical universe at an early age, obsessed with anything and everything “unknown.” It is truly fascinating how various themes like paranormal activity, magic, the afterlife, reincarnation, and spiritual beliefs can all tie into one another. Yet, there aren’t many books that intertwine all the subjects into one. I truly believe that although every topic is vastly unique in certain aspects, they share similarities and can all be connected. I am a multi-genre author, however writing in this area is my passion.

Stevie's book list on Metaphysical expand your knowledge and imagination

Stevie D. Parker Why did Stevie love this book?

The information in this book is in a whole new realm, literally! I have never read anything quite like this, and it was fascinating to delve into the human brain under the trance that Dolores Cannon was able to induce. The level of detail in each subject was described in the afterlife, soul contracts, and heaven was mind-blowing.

This was a book I could not put down. I turned the pages to hear what the next person had to say. It was one of the most interesting books I have ever read. 

By Dolores Cannon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Between Life and Death as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A well-written book that is a curious reminder that our in-between life with all its information lies within our subconscious.

Dolores has accumulated information about the Death experience and what lies beyond through 16 years of hypnotic research and past-life therapy. While retrieving past-life experiences, hundreds of subjects reported the same memories when experiencing their death, the spirit realm, and their rebirth.

This book also explores:
* Guides and guardian angels
* Ghosts and poltergeists
* Planning your present lifetime and karmic relationships before your birth
* The significance of bad lifetimes
* Perceptions of God and the Devil
*…


Book cover of The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Bardo Thödol: Secrets of Life, Death, and Rebirth

Miriam Van Scott Author Of Bandun Gate

From my list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been intrigued by concepts of what happens after death, ignited by my religious schooling and fueled by afterlife stories from The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Tales from the Crypt, and similar works of fiction. In college I began studying interpretations of Heaven and Hell from literature, art, myth, music, and pop culture, and continued to pursue the topic in my early career. This fascination led to my first books, Encyclopedia of Hell and Encyclopedia of Heaven, and has inspired many of my other works. I continue to do research in the field of comparative afterlife theory, and never miss a chance to interview those with expertise in supernatural matters. 

Miriam's book list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife

Miriam Van Scott Why did Miriam love this book?

For insights into non-western afterlife theory, the Bardo Thodol offers a collection of texts covering aspects of death, reincarnation, and the ‘space’ in between. The work, which dates back to the 8th century, serves as a ‘guidebook’ on preparing the soul for its continuing journey, including advice on meditation, the six states of consciousness, death rituals, and the pursuit of karma. Over the centuries the Bardo Thodol has inspired numerous interpretations as well as literary works. Screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, who spent time secluded in a Buddhist monastery, describes his film Jacob’s Ladder as a modern take on the ancient text. 

By Tibetan Yoga Academy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Tibetan Book of the Dead as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Unravel the Secrets of Life, Death, and Rebirth with the Tibetan Book of the Dead!

Have you always been intrigued by rebirth, death, and the afterlife?

Immerse in a whole new dimension and explore life and death from a completely different perspective with this book!

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, also known as Bardo Thödol, is originally a funerary text recited to ease the consciousness of a recently deceased person through death and assist it into a favorable rebirth.

The idea of death, rebirth and the afterlife has been intriguing the human mind almost since the dawn of time.…


Book cover of Tyson's Gift: How an 8-Pound K9 Became a Man's Greatest Spiritual Guide

Tina Proffitt Author Of Come Back: How Past Lives with Animals Changed the Way I Think about Death

From my list on reincarnation.

Why am I passionate about this?

Tina Proffitt is a former educator in love with writing romance novels, who believes there’s nothing more romantic than reincarnating with those she loves. After her first one-on-one past life reading with Dr. Doris E. Cohen, she was hooked and has never looked back. (Pun intended) She wants to share her passion for living a life free from fear and full of love. She writes reincarnation romance novels in the genres of mystery, science fiction, contemporary, and YA.

Tina's book list on reincarnation

Tina Proffitt Why did Tina love this book?

Tyson’s Gift: How an 8-Pound K9 Became a Man’s Greatest Spiritual Guide by police officer Brandon Wainwright is the story this country needs to hear, especially now. From beginning to end, the author brings the reader into his personal life and the ups and downs of his relationships with an openness that appeals to mother, father, sister, or brother. Anyone who has ever loved or been loved by an animal will find healing and hope for the future, that we never really have to say goodbye when our hearts are open.

By Brandon Wainwright,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tyson's Gift as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As a police officer, Brandon Wainwright has seen a lot in his ten-plus years on the force, but nothing so strange or life-changing as the spiritual awakening he experienced when his dog, a precocious Chihuahua named Tyson, passed away . . . and then began communicating from the other side.

Once a hardnosed skeptic, Brandon found himself thrust into unfamiliar territory, consulting with spiritual intuitives and pet communicators in an effort to uncover the truth about the afterlife—embarking upon an incredible journey that would shake his perception of reality and challenge his beliefs about what happens to us after we…


Book cover of The Life I Left Behind

Julia Ash Author Of Mystified

From my list on ghost fiction that are hauntingly plausible.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ghost stories are predominantly one flavor: horror. However, my taste in ghost fiction resembles a smoothie. Blend equal parts of contemporary suspense/mystery and the paranormal; add a splash of science, a pinch of dark family secrets, and a sprinkle of romance; and then spike with a heaping cup of twists. That’s my favorite recipe for the paranormal crossovers I love to read and write. My narration preferences are less typical, too. Ghost stories are usually told by characters being haunted. In novels I love, ghosts participate as storytellers, breathing realism into the supernatural. For me, hauntingly plausible stories generate more goosebumps than those horrifically improbable. (Perhaps because I grew up in a haunted house!)

Julia's book list on ghost fiction that are hauntingly plausible

Julia Ash Why did Julia love this book?

The Life I Left Behind is one of my favorite smoothies—a delicious mix of contemporary mystery, psychological thriller, and the paranormal, elevated with the finest spices of intrigue and exceptional writing. Two parallel lives intersect by way of one murderer. Melody barely survived his attack; only her mind has swallowed the memories. But when Eve is found strangled to death, clutching the same calling card left in Melody’s hand, fissures start to form. Of course, Eve knows who did it; she’s a ghost. Good thing Eve left a trail that could lead to the truth. Or, unlucky for Melody, lead to the murderer’s unfinished business. This masterpiece is narrated by Melody and Eve, successfully weaving together the world of the living with the afterlife. Plot, plausibility, characterization, and craft will mesmerize readers!

By Colette McBeth,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Life I Left Behind as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I know who attacked her. The same man who killed me...

Six years ago Melody was left for dead. When the body of another woman, Eve, is discovered, Melody knows her attacker is still out there. The only way she can survive is to follow the clues of the life that Eve left behind.

A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you gripped to the page. With rave reviews from Paula Hawkins and Marian Keyes, this should be your next summer read!

'The plot is taut and compelling, and the writing is excellent' MARIAN KEYES

'A well-paced, meticulously-researched thriller which…


Book cover of The Suffering

Sarah Jules Author Of You Invited It In

From my list on supernatural horror written by indie authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an indie horror author from Yorkshire, England. I grew up on a steady diet of Stephen King and horror films and developed a love of all things spooky and/or creepy. Supernatural horror has always been my favorite genre. When it’s done well, it has the capacity to be absolutely terrifying. It took me writing a couple of books before I finally jumped headfirst into writing supernatural horror. To me, there’s nothing scarier than the unknown, and that’s what I want to explore in my writing, and also my reading. I am also a huge advocate of indie authors, and I am thrilled to share these recommendations with you. 

Sarah's book list on supernatural horror written by indie authors

Sarah Jules Why did Sarah love this book?

I am such a lover of ghost stories, hauntings, and anything paranormal. After a while, haunting/supernatural books can all feel very similar. However, this book is a complete wild card. I love the unique take on multiple ghosts.

It is creative, funny, and has some really creepy scenes too. It’s perfect for somebody wanting to explore more horror because it’s not super dark but will still give you a good scare.

By MJ Mars,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Suffering as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"It was a suffering like no other. And, oh, how they suffered."
Recreating the séance that led to the infamous Victorian Suffering massacre seems like a good idea at the time. But Kyle Birbeck soon discovers that the ghosts his distant ancestor banished into the walls of Brackenby House in 1876 have been lurking, waiting for a chance to come out. One by one the 5 terrifying ghosts latch onto each of the students who reside at Brackenby, preying on their deepest fears: A 3-eyed Incan giant. A member of the Hellfire Club who struck a deal with the devil…


Book cover of A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands

Keefe R.D. Author Of Royal Arcanum

From my list on veracious fantasy and strange reality.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an Indonesian writer who loves the idea of supernatural fantasy. I’ve always liked daydreaming. It started when a story suddenly kept playing inside my head like a movie. And that story now became my first fantasy book, Royal Arcanum. Never I imagined I’ll be a full-time writer now. I feel blessed that my family supported my writing career.

Keefe's book list on veracious fantasy and strange reality

Keefe R.D. Why did Keefe love this book?

This book is very unique. Written through the psychic medium named Farnese in 1896. The spirit named Franchezzo told his experience in the afterlife. There is a fantasy and reality here. Even though we haven’t experienced death and don’t know how’s life in the afterlife, but I feel a strong connection with this book. I feel like I can believe everything this book depicted about the world on the other side.

By Franchezzo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A supposed real life channeling about a slightly bad man who died, and starting his journey in the lower spirit realms, advancing his way into the higher. Once in the higher realms he joins a brotherhood who go deep into hell rescueing others who have changed and praying for rescue. This book gives a detailed glimpse into hell, what its like and its many levels. An entry level book for those who want to to know more of the spiritland structure.


Book cover of Many Lives, Many Masters
Book cover of Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe
Book cover of Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying

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